Butcherbird 1 v Blackbirds 0

Terry Pacey's piece about the butcherbird devouring the Noisy Miner has
reminded me of a similar observation in my back yard.
A few weeks ago I realised that the Common Blackbirds were very agitated.
Was there a snake or a blue tongue lizard in the yard? - probably not
because only the blackbirds were calling.
What I did discover was 9 blackbirds, watching and complaining about, a Grey
Butcherbird killing an adult blackbird whilst holding it on the ground. The
other blackbirds, some of whom had come from the surrounding neighbourhood
to support the four residents , stayed around until the victim gave it's
last gasp. When they departed the butcherbird leisurely nibbled away at its
meal.
I have seen blackbirds very agitated before and then seen a butcherbird
nearby. However I assumed the butcherbird was trying to get to the young
birds and not an adult.
Val Ford
Sorrento, Vic
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